Shower device with tanning device and method for use thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a shower device which is combined with a tanning device, comprising: one or more walls; water supply means which are arranged on one of the 5 walls; and a tanning device which is arranged in a wall and comprises at least one UV lamp, characterized in that the at least one UV lamp is a high-pressure UV lamp.

The present invention relates to a shower device comprising a tanningdevice with one or more UV lamps, a tanning device and a method for theuse of such a shower device.

Known from WO 92/17242 are a method for tanning a person and a tanningdevice for this method. This is substantially a shower cubicle whereinfluorescent tubes for emitting UV light are arranged in the walls. Aperson can thus shower while the fluorescent tubes emit UV light,whereby this person simultaneously becomes browner. This known devicehas the drawback that the tanning distance is relatively low, andamounts to a maximum of 200 mm. A user will not become browner sinceduring showering the distance from the lamps is always more than 200 mm.In addition, it is not possible to make the known device comply with thestrict safety standards required in a wet environment such as abathroom.

The present invention attempts to obviate the above stated drawbacks andhas for its object to provide an improved shower device which iscombined with a tanning device.

The present invention provides for this purpose a shower device,comprising:

one or more walls;

water supply means which are arranged on one of the walls; and

a tanning device which is arranged in a wall and comprises at least oneUV lamp,

characterized in that

the at least one UV lamp is a high-pressure UV lamp.

Such a device offers all the advantages which are known according to theprior art, wherein the tanning distance is greater and can be largeenough for use in a shower.

In a preferred embodiment the distance between the UV lamp and the wallin which it is arranged is greater than 40 mm, and preferably liesbetween 50 mm and 100 mm. Such a minimum distance increases safety, andhas been found sufficiently safe for use in a wet environment such as ashower.

In a preferred embodiment the tanning device comprises reflector meanswhich are arranged close to the one or more UV lamps, wherein thereflector means are arranged such that the tanning distance relative tothe wall is between 150 mm and 650 mm, and is preferably in the order of400 mm. Such a tanning distance has been found suitable for use incombination with a shower, so that a user can shower and tansimultaneously without having to stand uncomfortably close to the wall.

In a further preferred embodiment the tanning device comprises a plateclosed watertight and at least partially UV permeable, which is arrangedbetween the at least one UV lamp and the water supply means. The wall atthe position of the tanning device is hereby erected from UV permeablematerial. Any wall which is seen as a (fixed) partition wall is suitablefor placing therein of the tanning device.

The at least partly UV permeable plate further comprises a first filterplate. The use of the filter plate prevents the user being exposed totoo much harmful radiation.

In a further preferred embodiment, the tanning device comprises airsupply means and air discharge means, wherein during use of the UV lampsthe supplied air is trained, for cooling thereof, at least partly alongthe filter plate and at least partly along the one or more UV lamps. Thetanning device is safer through use of air cooling in the wall, as anadequate cooling is obtained so that the temperature of the filter plateis not allowed to be more than 40° C. higher than the ambienttemperature.

In a further preferred embodiment, the tanning device comprises controlmeans which comprise at least one clock and current interrupting means.The further advantage is hereby achieved that the time period of use islimited by the control means, thereby preventing the user from beingexposed to too much harmful radiation.

In a further preferred embodiment the one or more high-pressure UV lampsare high-pressure gas discharge lamps.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides a tanning devicefor use in a shower device as described above.

According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for useof a shower device as described above.

Further advantages and features will be described with reference to theannexed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a shower device according to thepresent invention in a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective exploded view of a wall with tanning deviceaccording to the present invention in a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-section of the tanning device of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 shows a control panel of the tanning device in a preferredembodiment.

A shower device 1 in a preferred embodiment according to the inventioncomprises walls 2 and 3 which extend substantially vertically from aground surface 4. A water supply means, here a shower head 5, isattached to wall 3. At some distance thereunder are arranged rotatingtaps 6 and 7 for regulating the flow rate and the temperature. Wall 2 isa pre-wall arranged in front of a house wall situated therebehind. Inpre-wall 2 is arranged a tanning device 8, covered by a first filterplate 9 of hardened glass or of plastic. A frame 10 with watertightfinish of plastic or metal provides the proper finish and appearance.Arranged inside the frame is a control panel 11 which is described withreference to FIG. 4. Control panel 11 is supported adjacent first filterplate 9.

The pre-wall (FIG. 2), a system which is supplied for differentapplications by for instance the company Geberit AG of Switzerland, isplaced against a house wall 20 and comprises for instance three lowerbeams 21, 22, 23, wherein columns 24 are arranged vertically thereon inthe shown embodiment. Horizontal beams 26 are arranged for strengtheningpurposes at the top and at suitable intermediate positions. Columns 24and beams 22, 26 are mutually connected in a known manner which isfurther not shown. This construction extends as desired along the wall20 in horizontal and/or vertical direction. Between the columns arearranged the tanning device 8 with UV lamps 28, for examplehigh-pressure gas discharge lamps supplied by the Philips concern,Eindhoven (NL), under the name CLEO Swift HPA with a power of 250 to 500W. Electric cables (not further shown) for supplying the lamps 28 withpower are also accommodated in the pre-wall. As seen in FIG. 2, lamps 28are arranged in a stacked vertical column.

Tubes 30, 31 are connected to fan 32 for feeding and discharging air tocool the UV lamps 28. The cooling of the filter plates is so effectivethat the temperature of the first filter plate 9 becomes less than 40°C. higher than the ambient temperature during use.

A frame 34 is arranged in front of reflectors 50. The filter plates 36each screen one UV lamp in order to filter the radiation from the UVlamps. It is likewise possible that one larger filter plate screens allUV lamps simultaneously. Filter plate 9 likewise filters the radiationfrom the UV lamps and also serves for the watertight screening. At leastone of the filter plates is preferably of coloured filter glass, so thatthe UV lamps are less bright, this being more pleasant during use. Atleast one of filter plates 9 and 36 also comprises a partly UV permeablehardened glass plate or a partly UV permeable plastic plate. There is acolumn of air between frame 34 and filter plate 9. Fan 32 ventilatesthis column, whereby the filter plates are cooled. The lamps and othercomponents behind frame 34 are cooled by a separate fan (not shown).

Plaster panels 38 with tiles 40 thereon are arranged against the columns24. In the plaster panels is arranged an elongate opening 42 for passageof light. In the opening 42 there is arranged a closing frame 44 onwhich is arranged a glass frame 46 having therein the first filter plate9. Filter plate 9 lies in the same plane as the tiled wall ortherebehind, wholly in accordance with the bathroom standards(Netherlands Standard NEN 1010). The unit is finished with the plasticor metal frame 10 (FIG. 2).

Reflectors 50 of aluminum or stainless steel are arranged behind UVlamps 28 and supported adjacent associated tanning lamps 28 (FIG. 3).The reflectors are preferably of flat aluminum due to the betterreflection. The ideal tanning distance from first filter plate 9 can bedetermined by varying the curvature of reflectors 50. The ideal tanningdistance is between 150 mm and 650 mm, and is preferably in the order of400 mm.

The installation process is as follows. The electricity and theventilation ducts 30 and 31 are first constructed. Columns 24 and beams22, 26 are then placed. Plaster panels 38 and tiles 40 are arrangedagainst the columns and beams to form pre-wall 2, whereafter closingframe 44 is arranged along the edges of opening 42. Filter plate 36 ismounted to housing 52 wherein lamp 28, reflectors 50, housing 52 andplates 9 and 36 form an assembly to facilitate installation.

For a watertight assembly in the pre-wall, the tanning device comprisesa housing 52 (FIG. 3) which is rectangular in top view and has an openfront side. Housing 52 further includes a back wall 53 and a pair ofopposing side walls 55 a and b. Housing 52 is fastened to columns 24with nuts 56. Against the rear side of the housing are arranged bentsupports 59 on which lamp feet 61 are arranged, each with a UV lamp 28and a reflector 50. Each lamp 28 has a longitudinal extent that extendsbetween side walls 55 a and b. Filter plates 36 are mounted to frame 34and frame 34 is arranged against the bent edges 58 on the front ofhousing 52. The frame 46 with filter plate 9 therein is arranged againstframe 34 and closing frame 44 in watertight manner using a suitablesealing agent 60, 62 such as cement, rubber or glue. Frames 34 and 46are subsequently pressed more firmly against each other with bolts 64.The ornamental frame 10 is arranged for finishing purposes.

Owing to the above described watertight finishing, the tanning devicecan and may be connected to mains voltage. The minimum distance ofpreferably 4 cm, and more preferably 5 cm to 10 cm, between the wall orthe filter plate 9 and the electrical provisions comprising the lampsand or the wiring thereof increases the safety.

The control panel 11 (FIG. 4) comprises a window 63 on which a period oftime set using at least one button (or the middle buttons 65 and 67) canbe read, after expiry of which the UV lamps are automatically switchedoff. Button 68 serves to switch on UV lamps 28. A stop button 70 isarranged with which the lamps can be switched off at a desired moment.Buttons 72, 74, 76 and 78 serve to switch on and off the five UV lampsarranged in this preferred embodiment, wherein light sources, such asLEDs 80, 82, 84 and 86, show respectively if the relevant UV lamp isswitched on or off. Arranged behind window 66 is a LED which flasheswhen the lamps are cooling after use. Further built-in as a safetyfeature is that the current is interrupted after 30 minutes has passed.

The present invention is not limited to the above described preferredembodiment thereof; the rights sought are defined by the followingclaims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.

1. A shower tanning device for use in a shower having a shower head, afloor and at least one fixed wall, said device comprising: a pre-walladapted to be mounted inside the shower in front of a fixed wall in aposition wherein the shower head is located outside of a first spacedefined between said fixed wall and said pre-wall when said pre-wall ismounted within said shower, said pre-wall including an opening having aperiphery; a frame dimensioned to fit around the periphery of saidopening; a housing positioned within said first space; a plurality ofreflectors supported within said housing; at least one tanning lampassociated with and supported adjacent each of said reflectors, saidreflectors positioned and arranged to direct light from said lampsthrough said opening; an inner filter positioned within said first spaceand associated with said lamps to filter some of the radiation beingemitted by said lamps, said inner filter comprising a plurality offilter plates; an outer filter attached an outer filter frame andassociated with said lamps to filter some of the radiation being emittedby said lamps, said outer filter mounted within said opening and spacedfrom said inner filter to thereby form a second space therebetweenwherein said outer filter is cooler than said inner filter; and awatertight seal defined between said outer filter frame and said framesuch that water from the shower head is prevented by said outer filterframe, said outer filter, and said watertight seal from entering intosaid first space and impinging said at least one tanning lamp and saidreflectors.
 2. The shower tanning device according to claim 1, whereineach of said filter plates is associated with at least one of saidlamps.
 3. A shower tanning device for use in a shower having a showerhead, a floor and at least one fixed wall, said device comprising: apre-wall adapted to be mounted inside the shower in front of a fixedwall in a position wherein the shower head is located outside of a firstspace defined between said fixed wall and said pre-wall when saidpre-wall is mounted within said shower, said pre-wall including anopening having a periphery; a frame dimensioned to fit around theperiphery of said opening; a housing positioned within said first space;a plurality of reflectors supported within said housing; at least onetanning lamp associated with and supported adjacent each of saidreflectors, said reflectors positioned and arranged to direct light fromsaid lamps through said opening, said lamps being arranged in a stackedvertical column; an inner filter positioned within said first space andassociated with said lamps to filter some of the radiation being emittedby said lamps an outer filter attached an outer filter frame andassociated with said lamps to filter some of the radiation being emittedby said lamps, said outer filter mounted within said opening and spacedfrom said inner filter to thereby form a second space therebetweenwherein said outer filter is cooler than said inner filter; and awatertight seal defined between said outer filter frame and said framesuch that water from the shower head is prevented by said outer filterframe, said outer filter, and said watertight seal from entering intosaid first space and impinging said at least one tanning lamp and saidreflectors.
 4. A shower tanning device for use in a shower having ashower head, a floor and at least one fixed wall, said devicecomprising: a pre-wall adapted to be mounted inside the shower in frontof a fixed wall in a position wherein the shower head is located outsideof a first space defined between said fixed wall and said pre-wall whensaid pre-wall is mounted within said shower, said pre-wall including anopening having a periphery; a frame dimensioned to fit around theperiphery of said opening; a housing positioned within said first space;a plurality of reflectors supported within said housing; at least onetanning lamp associated with and supported adjacent each of saidreflectors, said reflectors positioned and arranged to direct light fromsaid lamps through said opening; an inner filter positioned within saidfirst space and associated with said lamps to filter some of theradiation being emitted by said lamps, said inner filter comprising aplurality of filter plates, each of said filter plates being mounted tosaid second frame; an outer filter attached an outer filter frame andassociated with said lamps to filter some of the radiation being emittedby said lamps, said outer filter mounted within said opening and spacedfrom said inner filter to thereby form a second space therebetweenwherein said outer filter is cooler than said inner filter; a watertightseal defined between said outer filter frame and said frame such thatwater from the shower head is prevented by said outer filter frame, saidouter filter, and said watertight seal from entering into said firstspace and impinging said at least one tanning lamp and said reflectors;and a second frame surrounding said inner filter, said second framearranged against said housing.
 5. A shower tanning device for use in ashower having a shower head, a floor and at least one fixed wall, saiddevice comprising: a pre-wall comprising a plaster panel with tilesarranged thereon, said pre-wall adapted to be mounted inside the showerin front of a fixed wall in a position wherein the shower head islocated outside of a first space defined between said fixed wall andsaid pre-wall when said pre-wall is mounted within said shower, saidpre-wall including an opening having a periphery; a frame dimensioned tofit around the periphery of said opening; a housing positioned withinsaid first space; a plurality of reflectors supported within saidhousing; at least one tanning lamp associated with and supportedadjacent each of said reflectors, said reflectors positioned andarranged to direct light from said lamps through said opening; an innerfilter positioned within said first space and associated with said lampsto filter some of the radiation being emitted by said lamps an outerfilter attached an outer filter frame and associated with said lamps tofilter some of the radiation being emitted by said lamps, said outerfilter mounted within said opening and spaced from said inner filter tothereby form a second space therebetween wherein said outer filter iscooler than said inner filter; and a watertight seal defined betweensaid outer filter frame and said frame such that water from the showerhead is prevented by said outer filter frame, said outer filter, andsaid watertight seal from entering into said first space and impingingsaid at least one tanning lamp and said reflectors.
 6. A shower tanningdevice comprising: a housing having a back wall, side walls extendingfrom said back wall, and a front open side, and said housing beingadapted for mounting in a shower; a plurality of reflectors supportedbetween said opposed side walls and mounted to said back wall; at leastone tanning lamp associated with and supported adjacent each of saidreflectors, said reflectors being positioned and arranged to directlight from said lamps through said front open side of said housing, eachof said tanning lamps having a longitudinal extent extending betweensaid side walls of said housing; a plurality of inner filter platesarranged against said housing, said inner filter plates associated withsaid lamps to filter some of the radiation being emitted by said lamps,said frame supporting said plurality of inner filter plates; an outerfilter plate arranged against said housing to filter some of theradiation being emitted by said lamps, said outer filter plate mountedover and spaced from said inner filter plate to thereby form a spacetherebetween wherein said outer filter plate is cooler than said innerfilter plate.